China’s TAECO completes combi-to-freighter conversion

XIAMEN, China, April 22, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA], Air China Cargo and TAECO (Taikoo Aircraft Engineering Co.) today celebrated the redelivery of the carrier’s first 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter, the first of three 747-400BCFs ordered by the airline. The airplane is converted from an Air China 747-400 Combi.

“Our 747-400BCFs will provide increased efficiency compared to our 747-200Fs and bring greater operational commonality with our newer 747-400 Freighters,” said Air China Cargo Vice President Xiao Ping. “We are confident knowing that Boeing managed the overall conversion and will provide outstanding support as we operate the airplane.”

Air China Cargo is receiving the 37th 747-400BCF redelivery and the eighth conversion from a combi model. The airplane is also the 29th to be converted at the TAECO facility. The second conversion for Air China Cargo also is under way at TAECO.

Nine carriers have ordered 49 747-400BCFs.

“Our Boeing Converted Freighter programs are built upon understanding and meeting our customers’ needs,” said Nancy Nicholas, director of the 747-400BCF Program, Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 747-400BCF is a great airplane that will perform well for Air China Cargo.”

Boeing offers the industry’s best conversions based on its engineering, manufacturing and certification expertise and unsurpassed customer support.

Modifications for the combi-to-freighter conversion include a strengthened main-deck floor, full main-deck lining installation, provisions for a new cargo handling system and complete revisions to the airplane systems. The 747-400BCF has positions for 30 pallets on the main deck — volume which is comparable to the 747-400 production freighter.

The 747-400 is one of three airplane models available as Boeing Converted Freighters, along with MD-11BCF and 767-300BCF models.

Air China Cargo currently operates three factory-built 747-400 Freighters and leases two third-party 747 conversions.

More than 300 747 Freighters, the standard for the global air cargo industry, are operating today, providing about half the world’s dedicated-freighter capacity.